Yolo Farm toFork gives checks to schools

Yolo Farm to Fork awarded $25,000 to 16 schools in Yolo County to help them build and sustain edible school gardens.

Beamer Park, Dingle, Freeman, Zamora and Plainfield elementary schools in Woodland were among those chosen to receive funding. Grant recipients attended an orientation meeting on Tuesday at Dingle where they received their checks, planting supplies and information on how to ensure long-term success in gardening.

Two different types of grants were awarded. The 10 "taste our garden" winners receive $1,000 grants, and include Dingle, Freeman, and Zamora in Woodland. Davis winners include Patwin and Willett elementary schools, and Harper Junior High. Schools from West Sacramento include River City High and Westmore Oaks Elementary.

The Taste Our Garden funding will go directly to building edible gardens on these campuses, to educate students about nutrition and combat obesity.

According to the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, more than 43 percent of the children in Woodland and West Sacramento under the age of 18 are obese. Most vulnerable are low income families that tend to eat processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, leaving children undernourished as well as obese.

The second "futures" grant, in the amount of $2,500, provides funds for a garden coordinator stipend, garden materials and supplies.

Dingle, Zamora, and Plainfield received this funding, as well as Beamer Park Elementary. In Davis, Marguerite Montgomery Elementary will take home this grant as well as Southport Elementary in West Sacramento.

Yolo Farm to Fork works to educate the public and children about the value of a farm to table community food system and the importance of the environment.